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(Japan) Call 0120-086-230 toll free (Japan Only)

(Italy) Call 800 822 005

property overview

Opened on request of the Japanese aristocracy, Tokyo's Imperial Hotel has an impressive historic pedigree.

Opened in 1890 on request of the Japanese aristocracy, the Imperial Hotel Tokyo boasts an impressive historic pedigree. Centrally located just south of the Imperial Palace grounds, the property has long drawn a high-profile clientele who rely on the discretion of the gracious staff of devoted hoteliers particularly adept at looking after discerning guests. Rooms are situated in the main building or in the gleaming tower, and many look across 40-acre Hibiya Park, the Palace and Ginza neighborhood. Two pleasures not to be missed here are the daily chanoyu (traditional tea ceremony) and a drink in the Old Imperial bar, an elegant Art Deco space containing pieces of murals and terracotta tile from the original building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1923.

Local Recommendations

Reading Suggestion

"1Q84"

Haruki Murakami’s tome-like, three-part novel is set in 1984 in a fantasy version of Tokyo. Consider it a literary rollercoaster ride.

Top Architecture Find

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

For this center outside Taito City, architect Kengo Kuma stacked seven stories, using wood beams in an innovative way to design a striking new landmark. (81-3) 3842-5566.

Best Family Activity

Ghibli Museum

This magical museum celebrates the animation work of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli; there are special rooms, interactive exhibits and screening spaces. www.ghibli-museum.jp/en.

Best Activity/Excursion

Kamakura

A capital city in the 12th century, Kamakura is a beachside town an hour outside of Tokyo with significant Buddhist (including Zen) temples and Shinto shrines. www.jnto.go.jp/eng.

Best Restaurant Classic

Kanetanaka

Come for peerless kaiseki cuisine and classical Japanese fare of the finest caliber. The original is in Shimbashi; there are also three slightly less formal branches. The prices reflect the quality. (81-3) 3541-2556.

Best One-Stop Shop

Matsuya

Lit up like a beacon with LEDs, this department store in Ginza houses high fashion from Japan and abroad, as well as souvenirs from the country’s craft traditions. (81-3) 3567-1211; www.matsuya.com.

Best View

Mori Tower

Located between Roppongi Hills and Nishi Azabu, the Mori Tower has an observatory on the 52nd floor and an open-deck observatory on the 54th floor. www.roppongihills.com/en.